Ayvalık, a picturesque coastal town on Turkey's Aegean coast, enchants with its mix of historical charm, breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant culture. In just 48 hours, you can immerse yourself in the heart of this fascinating city, from its ancient ruins to its lively streets and tranquil beaches. Ayvalık offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and traditional Turkish hospitality up close while enjoying the culinary delights and natural beauty of the region. Every corner of this city tells its own story and invites you to become part of its ongoing narrative.
Day 1: Historical discoveries and culinary delights
Morning: Stroll through the old town
Start your day in Ayvalık with a relaxed stroll through the picturesque old town. Here, between the narrow streets and past the charming, historic stone houses, which date back to the Ottoman period with their colorful doors and shutters, you can feel the true heart of Ayvalık. Every corner tells its own story and invites you to linger and discover.
Stroll past small art galleries, traditional craft shops and cozy cafés where you can sample local delicacies such as olives, cheese and the famous Ayvalık toast. The old town is easy to explore on foot, and you'll find that there's a new photo opportunity around every corner. Take time to soak in the atmosphere, chat with the locals and learn more about the history and culture of this enchanting place.
Lunch: break in the “Cunda Balık Restaurant”
For your lunch break, we recommend a visit to the “Cunda Balık Restaurant” on the enchanting island of Cunda, which is connected to Ayvalık via a bridge. This restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood and freshly caught fish served in an authentic Aegean atmosphere.
Sit on the terrace, which offers a magnificent view of the sparkling sea, and enjoy the house specialties while feeling the gentle sea breeze. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, from grilled octopus to a selection of meze that pair perfectly with a glass of local wine.
Cunda Balık Restaurant is easy to reach by driving over the bridge from Ayvalık or by taking a short ride on one of the many small boats that run regularly between Ayvalık and Cunda. Lunch here is not only a culinary experience, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere and fortify yourself for the day's further adventures.
Afternoon: Relaxation on Sarımsaklı Beach
After a delicious lunch in Cunda, the afternoon route takes you to Sarımsaklı Beach, one of the most popular and beautiful beaches near Ayvalık. The beach is known for its fine, golden sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Sarımsaklı offers a wide beach promenade with numerous cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy refreshing drinks or a small snack. There are also plenty of opportunities to try out water sports like jet skiing or windsurfing if you're looking for a little more action.
To get to Sarımsaklı Beach, you can take one of the regular minibuses (dolmuş) from Ayvalık that will take you directly to the beach. Alternatively, you can also choose a taxi for a more comfortable journey.
An afternoon at Sarımsaklı Beach is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sun and the sea and recover from the impressions of the morning. With its soft sand and gentle waves, the beach offers the ideal backdrop for a relaxing day on the Aegean coast.
Evening: Stroll at the harbor
You can round off your day in Ayvalık perfectly with an evening stroll at the harbor. As the sun sets and the city lights slowly come on, the harbor transforms into a lively meeting place where locals and visitors alike enjoy the cool breeze and relaxed atmosphere.
Stroll along the promenade where you will find a variety of charming cafes, bars and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Many of these establishments have outdoor terraces overlooking the water, so you can watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea while you eat or have a drink.
Ayvalık Port is also the perfect place to taste freshly caught fish and seafood. The restaurants here are known for their high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation, which gives every dish a special touch.
Easily accessible on foot from the city center, the harbor evening in Ayvalık offers a wonderful way to end the day. Here you can immerse yourself in the local nightlife, experience the friendly hospitality of Turkey and complete your trip through this enchanting city on the Aegean coast with unforgettable impressions.
Day 2: Natural wonders and cultural treasures
Morning: Trip to the Devil's Table
On the second day of your Ayvalık adventure, you start with a trip to “Şeytan Sofrası”, also known as the Devil's Table. This unique natural wonder, a flat, table-like rock formation, towers high above Ayvalık and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire region, including the many small islands and the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Legend has it that the devil dined here and left his footprints in a rock, giving the place its mysterious name. As you explore, you can search for this legendary footprint and enjoy the spectacular views, which are unparalleled, especially at sunrise or sunset.
To get to Şeytan Sofrası, you can use a taxi or a rental car. For the more active among you, a hike from Ayvalık is also possible, which leads through beautiful landscapes. Once at the top, you'll find small cafes offering simple refreshments and snacks, so you can enjoy the breathtaking views while sipping Turkish tea. A visit in the morning is a good idea to avoid the midday heat and start the day with inspiring panoramas.
Lunch: Local specialties in “Taş Kahve”
After the impressive trip to the Devil's Table, the “Taş Kahve” in Ayvalık invites you to take a well-deserved lunch break. This charming café, nestled in the city's historic setting and known for its authentic atmosphere, is the ideal place to discover the region's culinary delights.
At “Taş Kahve” you can embark on a journey through traditional Turkish cuisine. Enjoy delicious local specialties such as “Ayvalık Tostu”, a savory toast known far beyond the city's borders, or try some of the fresh meze accompanied by a glass of the famous Turkish tea or an aromatic coffee.
The café, easily accessible on foot from most of Ayvalık's attractions, offers not only tasty cuisine but also a slice of local life. Surrounded by stone walls and under shady trees, you can take in the lively atmosphere of the town in peace and quiet and strengthen yourself for the day's further discoveries.
Afternoon: Visit to Taksiyarhis Church
After an enjoyable lunch break, the path takes you to Taksiyarhis Church, a cultural jewel of Ayvalık. This historic church-turned-museum is located in the heart of the city and is characterized by its impressive architecture and ornate frescoes.
Once a central site of the Christian faith, Taksiyarhis Church now houses a variety of works of art and religious relics, offering insights into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. During your visit, you can admire the carefully restored icons and the detailed murals that tell stories of times gone by.
The church is easy to reach on foot from the center of Ayvalık and offers a pleasant change and a quiet atmosphere to process the impressions of the day. A visit to Taksiyarhis Church is not only a cultural experience but also an opportunity to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and architectural beauty of this place.
Evening: Farewell dinner with a view of the sea
At the end of your 48 hours in Ayvalık, you can enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the many seaside restaurants that offer picturesque views of the Aegean Sea. Choose a cozy eatery known for its excellent cuisine and breathtaking sunsets.
Here you can indulge yourself one last time with the culinary delicacies of the region. Whether fresh fish straight from the sea, a selection of meze or traditional Turkish dishes - enjoy your meal accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves and the golden shimmer of the sunset.
These restaurants are easy to reach from the city center, be it on foot along the promenade or with a short taxi or dolmuş ride. A dinner with a view of the sea not only offers the perfect culinary end to your trip, but also the opportunity to reflect on the unique moments and impressions of the last two days and to enjoy the magic of Ayvalık once again to the fullest.
Conclusion
After two unforgettable days in Ayvalık, you will return with a wealth of memories filled with historical discoveries, culinary adventures and relaxing hours by the sea. Ayvalık proves that it is capable of providing a deep and enriching experience that touches both the mind and soul in the shortest possible time. The city will leave you not only with a sense of satisfaction and wonder, but also with a desire to return and discover more of its hidden treasures. Ayvalık is not just a travel destination, but an invitation to embrace and enjoy life in all its facets.
Address: Ayvalik, Balıkesir, Türkiye
